Two-in-One Leggings with Bikini-Styled Inner Layer

ABSTRACT

A leggings apparatus is shown. The leggings are configured to be worn by a user without the need for the user to wear an undergarment. As such, a crotch area of the apparatus is equipped with an inner bikini layer to provide security and comfort to the user without panty-lines. The inner bikini layer is preferably made of a cotton-based fiber fabric, and is preferably applied with an anti-bacterial treatment. The inner bikini layer is fixed in position only by a front waistline seam and inseam near a rear crotch area, which leaves the leg openings free. The inner bikini layer is heat welded or flat locked into a fixed position within the crotch area, which appear invisible when viewed from the exterior of the garment.

CONTINUITY

This application is a non-provisional patent application of provisional patent application No. 62/458,080, filed on Feb. 13, 2017, and priority is claimed thereto.

FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparel apparatus configured to be worn on the legs of a user, and more specifically relates to a legging apparatus configured to be worn by a user without the use of separate underpants.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Leggings for women are known to be manufactured in a wide variety of styles, lengths, colors, and thicknesses. Primarily, most forms of leggings are engineered to be worn atop an undergarment such as underwear. Unfortunately, when such leggings are worn with underwear, often regardless of the type of underwear, the line of the underwear is often visible to others, commonly referred to as a ‘panty-line.’

The existence of a panty-line can be embarrassing for some women, whom would prefer to display a seamless posterior, especially from the rear view. Some women opt to refrain from wearing underwear to prevent the appearance of a panty-line, whereas others who are uncomfortable without panties choose slim underwear, such as a thong. Unfortunately, even thin underwear such as these often can be seen as a panty-line through most forms of tight-fitting pants, jeggings, and leggings. Women that opt to refrain from wearing underwear run the risk of embarrassment from discharge or bodily fluids from contaminating the crotch portion of the leggings, as the gusset (if one is present at all) of conventional leggings is not designed to function as underwear. If there were leggings equipped with usable gussets, or an integrated underwear-like layer such that the leggings are designed for use without underwear, women could more comfortably and confidently wear leggings without underwear, eliminating the panty-line and ensuring security when worn.

Thus, there is a need for a legging apparatus which incorporates one or more interior layers which are configured to be minimally visible from the exterior of the leggings, while providing maximum security and comfort to the wearer. Such an apparatus preferably includes a bikini-shaped layer, which acts like a top piece of panty, and is securely affixed to the front waistband of the leggings and to the crotch seam toward the back to provide the functionality of underwear without the bulk or panty-lines of conventional underwear.

The Bikini model of the present invention inherits a panty concept but eliminates the most visible panty lines from the lower back area. The present invention has a “half” panty (only the front piece of a whole bikini panty) to offer security and comfort. A similar product has not been found in the market. This is an original design of its own.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a legging apparatus configured to be worn on the legs of an individual without underpants such as panties or underwear. Similar to conventional leggings, the apparatus is preferably configured to conform to the curves of the skin of the wearer, and therefore provides a snug fit. However, in contrast to conventional leggings, the apparatus of the present invention is configured to be worn comfortably and safely without the need for underwear, and without the creation of a visible panty-line. The present invention is equipped with a right legging sleeve, left legging sleeve, and waist band. Additionally, an inner bikini-shaped layer portion is disposed within the crotch area of the present invention to function as seamless integrated underwear for the user.

The apparatus is equipped with an outer layer and an inner bikini-shaped layer, which is fashioned in the shape similar to the front portion of a bikini panty. The inner bikini-shaped layer is preferably made from a breathable cotton-based fabric, which is preferably applied with an anti-bacterial treatment. The inner bikini-shaped layer is disposed closest to the skin of the user, and is preferably made from hypo-allergenic materials.

The inner bikini-shaped layer is laid over the crotch area inside of the leggings, and the front end of the bikini layer is assembled to the front of the waist band; the back end of the bikini is assembled to the rear of the crotch seam. As such, the inner bikini-shaped layer is permanently affixed to the leggings of the present invention at the front waist band and rear inseam in the crotch area, and remains free at the leg openings of the left legging sleeve and right legging sleeve. The inner bikini-shaped layer of the present invention gives women security as it offers a second layer next to the skin and protects the crotch area, simulating panties. And it is completely invisible from the exterior rear of the leggings.

In short, the present invention inherits the panty concept, but eliminates the most visible panty lines from the lower back area of the wearer via its integrated design. As such, the present invention is equipped with a “half” panty (only the front piece of a whole bikini panty) to offer security and comfort to the wearer. Presently, there are no leggings available that have a free bikini front piece built-in. The novelty of the present invention lies in the combination of this built-in extra bikini piece, while remaining nearly invisible from the front view to others due to the welded edge or free cut finishings, plus offering security to the user. Additionally, the bikini-shaped portion of the present invention is entirely invisible from the rear view.

As such, it should be understood that the goals of the present invention are to eliminate visible panty lines (VPLs) and achieve a streamlined look, remove the possibility of excess fabric caused by body movement when wearing panties underneath leggings, and to facilitate comfortable, sanitary, and safe usage of leggings without an undergarment, such that users have one garment instead of two. Combining the two garments (panties and leggings) can achieve greater comfort than two separate garments when using the apparatus of the present invention, especially considering the close/confined nature and relationship between the two garments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

FIG. 1 exhibits a view of the present invention as seen from the front.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the present invention as seen from the rear.

FIG. 3 displays a view of the inner layer bikini-shaped portion of the present invention, detailing the position and shape of the inner layer (bikini portion) of the present invention.

FIG. 4 presents a flow chart depicting the manufacturing process of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention is a garment apparatus configured to be worn on the legs of a user. The apparatus of the present invention, referenced as leggings (10), is equipped with a right legging sleeve (40), a left legging sleeve (50), a waist band (60), and a crotch area (70). The crotch area (70) is equipped with an inner bikini-shaped layer (20) over the center front of the leggings.

The novelty of the present invention lies in the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) present within the crotch area (70) of the leggings (10). The inner bikini-shaped layer (20) acts as functional, non-removable underwear, and is disposed closest to the skin of the wearer. As such, the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) is preferably fashioned out of a breathable cotton blend of fabric which is equipped with an anti-bacterial treatment.

The inner bikini-shaped layer (20) is specifically shaped and attached to leggings such that the present invention achieves both maximal security for the wearer, as well as minimal visibility. Heat welding hem finishing or laser free cut raw edge ensures that the edge, shown as a heat-welded hem (99) of the inner bikini-shaped layer of the present invention during use is least visible from front view. Heat welding is an effective technique and presently used mostly in high-end performance wear. Novelty of the present invention lies in delivering the combination of heat-welded hem (99) with the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) to achieve a clean finish for the leggings (10).

As shown in FIG. 3, the front end of the inner bikini layer (20), which is assembled to the front of the waist band, extends backward narrowly towards the inseam (90) where the front pants (15) are assembled with the back pants (30) in crotch area (70). The only portion of the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) attached to the leggings (10) is a first anchor portion (80) which connects to the waist band (60) in the front, and a second anchor portion (90) which is part of the inseam connecting the front pants (15) and back pants (30) in some embodiments of the present invention. The second anchor portion (90), part of the entire inseam, as seen in FIG. 2, is invisible when the leggings are worn. FIG. 2 depicts a laid down flat view.

Flat lock or welding seam finishing on the second anchor portion (90) ensures that the wearer will not feel the seams of the crotch area (70) of the present invention during use. It should be understood that the flat seams of the present invention, such as the flat-locked inseam are preferably trimmed to look better and feel more comfortable for the wearer.

The process of manufacturing the present invention, as depicted in FIG. 4, is preferably as follows:

-   -   1. The manufacturer crafts the right legging sleeve, left         legging sleeve, and waist band of the present invention from two         separate cloths, which are then cut to form the overall frame of         the leggings via a top half (front side), shown as front pants         (15) and bottom half (rear side), shown as back pants (30).         (100)     -   2. The manufacturer cuts the requisite shape of inner         bikini-shaped layer according to the designed size of the         leggings. Then, the leg openings are hemmed with a heat welding         technique. This process is performed to finish the edges of the         bikini-shaped layer such that they are flat and seamless, which         result in minimally visible panty lines. (110)     -   3. Then, the manufacturer assembles the bottom half (rear side)         of the pants, the top half (front side) of the pants, and the         bikini-shaped layer along the inseam. Using flat lock or heat         welding technique, the manufacturer assembles unitary leg         openings of the front and back pants, connecting along the         inseam, and joins the narrow end of the bikini-shaped layer, per         the second anchor portion near rear crotch area, and continues         the inseam of the other leg and finish at another leg opening.         (120)     -   4. Then, assemble the wider end of the bikini-shaped layer to         the front of the waist band per the first anchor portion via the         flat lock seam or heat welding procedure to achieve seams that         are flat, and cannot be easily felt by the wearer. At the same         time, the manufacturer finishes the waistband around, front and         back, similar to conventional leggings. (130)     -   5. The leggings of the present invention are packaged and ready         to be worn by the end user without an undergarment. When worn,         the user remains comfortable and confident in the security         provided by the inner bikini layer and concealing outer layer of         the present invention. (140)     -   6. The leggings of the present invention may be washed in a         conventional clothes washer after use to be worn again. (150)

It should be understood that the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) is fashioned of breathable, comfortable, hypo-allergenic material to provide the wearer with supreme comfort during use. A percentage of the fabric used in both bikini-shaped layer and legging shell is envisioned to have elastic properties to aid comfort and flexibility of movement while wearing the present invention.

Alternate embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to variations on color, textile use, pattern, and sizing.

In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the leg openings found on either side of the inner bikini layer (20) may be left with a ‘raw’ edge in order to achieve a completely invisible panty line. It is envisioned that this ‘raw’ edge is not equipped with seam stitching, however is treated in order to prevent the edge from fraying or curling. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, instead of completely invisible, raw free-cut edge, the present invention employs a welded finish to achieve the least visible panty line in the front view (while the back view is still completely without a panty line). If a better fabric or technology is provided to allow free cut without fraying after washing, this alternate embodiment may be produced without the need for the welding process.

Further, it should be noted that the present invention may employ variations on the manufacturing method listed above. Alternate embodiments of the present invention may employ one or more gusset layers within or on the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) which may be treated with any number of treatment technologies, including anti-bacterial, anti-odor, anti-stain, etc. The thickness of the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) of the present invention is subject to variation. As such, the inner bikini-shaped layer (20) may be made to be thicker than the remainder of the leggings (10) in order to be more absorbent, easier to wash, and to facilitate the removal of stains.

Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 

We claim:
 1. A garment for the legs of a user comprising: leggings, said leggings having a front pants portion, a back pants portion, a waist band, and a crotch area; an inseam, said inseam connecting said front pants portion to said back pants portion. an inner bikini-shaped layer, said inner bikini-shaped layer disposed at said crotch area; wherein said inner bikini-shaped layer has a front and a back; a first anchor portion; wherein said front of said inner bikini-shaped layer is in communication with said waist band via said first anchor portion; a second anchor portion; wherein said second anchor portion is in communication with said rear of said inner bikini-shaped layer at said inseam; and wherein said first anchor portion, said second anchor portion, and said inseam are invisible from an exterior of the garment. 